Press.

Media inquiries, press kit assets, and announcements for the Community Futures Challenge – a national initiative funded by PMI U.S. and administered in partnership with official judging partner Arizona State University.

Press inquiries

For interview requests, embargoed materials, or coverage of the program — including the independent judging panel and the Q1 2027 winners event — please reach our press desk.

Press desk

Media inquiries · Interviews

Responses within one business day, Monday–Friday.

Partnership desk

Editorial · Research · Corporate

For convenings, civic-sector co-promotions, and program partnerships.

About the program

The America250 Community Futures Challenge is a national innovation platform built around America's 250th anniversary. The flagship is an open national competition that will award $250,000 across five $50,000 grants to U.S. innovators, entrepreneurs, and community groups whose work materially strengthens an American community.

Submissions open September 1, 2026 and close November 30, 2026. Finalists are notified January 2027. Winners are announced and recognized at a dedicated event in Q1 2027.

The Challenge is funded by PMI U.S., judging is led by official judging partner Arizona State University, and operated by Pacheco Ventures. The website at america250cfc.org and the applicant data collected through it are owned and managed by Pacheco Ventures. Submissions are independently judged by a panel of nationally acclaimed leaders.

Press kit

Available for download. Direct any reproduction or licensing questions to press@america250cfc.org.

An updated lockup — the dedicated America250 Community Futures Challenge mark — is in production and will replace these assets when delivered.

Judging panel

The voting panel is published on the homepage under Judges. A more detailed press-kit document with judge biographies and statements is available on request to press@america250cfc.org.

Stay informed

For updates on judging milestones, finalist announcements, and embargoed program news, request media-list access by emailing press@america250cfc.org with your outlet, beat, and a working phone number.